Popular Items to Eliminate When Downsizing

Here are some of the things you should get rid of when downsizing.

Clothes

If you're downsizing your home, your closet space might decrease as well. If you have clothes that you don't wear, such as for special occasions, seasonal outfits, loose or tight clothing, it's time to let go of those items. Sell or donate clothing that you don't wear anymore. You'll find out how much space it has been occupying your closet, and by the time you move to your new home, you might be able to fit in some new clothes in your new closet!

Book, Magazines, CDs/DVDs

When was the last time you read that book? The last time you or your guest flipped through the pages of a magazine or played the CD/DVD in your player? Can't remember? We bet it can be daunting but remember to let go of the unnecessary items that accumulate dust in your home. You can sell these items or hand them out to libraries that would use them or donate them to others in need.

Appliances and Gadgets

Has it been six months since you last plugged that waffle iron or that hand mixer? It's time to find your kitchen appliances and gadgets a new home if it has not been used for a while. Keep what is vital in your kitchen, the ones that you use the most. If you are moving to a home with kitchen appliances and gadgets readily available, get rid of those you have to avoid duplicates and reduce the clutter.

Furniture

Most people downsizing don't expect to have the same space and the same number of rooms to fit some of your furniture. Filling a room with furniture will make your space smaller. If you have unused furniture or furniture used to make a room look full, we suggest that you donate these items to Goodwill or Habitat ReStore.

Sports and Musical Equipment

When was the last time you picked up that guitar or violin? Have you been using that elliptical or treadmill at home or you've been going to the gym instead of doing your daily jog outdoors? If you're moving to a smaller home, it's best to get rid of the big equipment you don't use.

Strategies for Getting Rid of Your Belongings When Downsizing

Whether a move is in the cards or just getting rid of some clutter is the ultimate goal, there are a few ways to ease and streamline the process. Here are three tips to help with cutting back on household possessions.

Let Go of Emotional Attachments

While there are certainly some treasured items worth holding onto for emotional reasons, being overly connected to ‘things' can be somewhat unhealthy. One doesn't need to be an excessive hoarder to find themselves buried in things that are just taking up space. Take time to decide what connections run deep truly, and get rid of the rest—free yourself!

Take a Break—A Tax Break

Most places that accept donated goods will offer donors a receipt for the estimated value of the goods. This, in turn, can be used when filing income taxes for the year to claim a break on amounts owed or to boost refund amounts. Donations of valuables such as furniture or high-end clothing can become great ways to lower taxes.

Envision New Belongings

One way to help part with items collected is to get an image in mind about what a new couch, new clothes, or new artwork might look like. While it's unnecessary to replace everything you get rid of, a little bit of vision planning can ease concerns about parting with older items.

Getting rid of items as you downsize your home will save you so much space and hassle as you move into your new home. A simple tip, if you have been using an alternative to equipment or items you have in your home which hasn't been using for 6 months or a year, you have to get rid of it. Donate it to charity or sell it to each extra cash that can be helpful during this process.

Do you have plans to downsize from your current home? Speak to a consultant to know more about downsizing, buying, and selling homes in Austin. We'd be glad to guide you during this process!